The campus of the Dhaka Polytechnic Institute was descended into chaos in the early hours of Tuesday, 3 March, as violent skirmishes broke out between the student wings of two major political factions. The confrontation, involving activists from the Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and the Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, resulted in at least ten students sustaining various injuries.
The unrest reportedly ignited around 01:00 AM, shattering the nocturnal silence of the institution located in the heart of the capital. According to eyewitnesses and campus residents, the friction began as a heated verbal altercation regarding the “establishment of dominance” within the campus dormitories. As the argument escalated, it swiftly transformed into a physical confrontation characterised by prolonged chase-and-counter-chase manoeuvres.
Escalation and Casualties
The clash, which involved the use of improvised weapons and blunt objects, left the campus grounds littered with debris. Out of the ten reported casualties, several individuals suffered significant lacerations and head traumas, necessitating urgent medical intervention.
Local sources confirm that the injured were rushed to nearby medical facilities, including the Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), for emergency treatment. While most are reported to be in stable condition, the atmosphere on campus remains palpably tense as students fear further retaliatory attacks.
| Incident Summary | Details |
| Location | Dhaka Polytechnic Institute, Tejgaon |
| Date & Time | 3 March 2026, approx. 01:00 AM |
| Factions Involved | Chhatra Dal (JCD) vs. Islami Chhatra Shibir |
| Total Injured | 10 (Confirmed) |
| Primary Cause | Territorial dominance and political rivalry |
| Current Status | Police deployed; campus under surveillance |
Security Intervention
Upon receiving reports of the violence, a significant contingent of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) was dispatched to the institute. Law enforcement officers moved quickly to disperse the crowds and restore order, eventually establishing a security cordon around the main gates and residential halls.
Campus authorities have expressed grave concern over the incident, particularly as it disrupts the academic environment during an already volatile period for the nation. An internal probe is expected to be launched to identify the primary instigators of the violence.
As of Tuesday morning, additional police personnel remain stationed at the institute to prevent any recurrence of the clashes. The administration is reportedly considering temporary restrictions on movement within the campus to ensure the safety of the general student body.